Student Life

Policy for Acceptable Use of the Network/Internet and Related Technology

Saint Bernard provides computer use and Internet access to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication. We recognize the education value of technology and also the issues that can accompany such access. The following Saint Bernard acceptable use policy along with the code of conduct outlined in the student handbook will govern student behavior while utilizing the Saint Bernard Internet and Network.

● “Device​” refers to any device ­ smart­phone, laptop, tablet, iPad, or any other mobile computing device ­ personally brought into the school building by any student and not owned by Saint Bernard School.

● “Email​” refers to school­provided email.

● “Internet” or “Network” refers to the Internet and network as provided by Saint Bernard School.

All students are responsible for their actions and activities involving computers, devices, Internet, and network. They are also responsible for their files, passwords, and accounts. These rules provide guidance concerning proper use and examples of prohibited uses. This AUP does not attempt to describe every possible case of prohibited activity. Students, parents, and staff who have questions regarding improper use should contact the Headmaster, Assistant Headmaster or Technology Coordinator for clarification.

Acceptable Use

1. Saint Bernard provides access to the Internet for educational purposes and

research consistent with Saint Bernard School’s mission, curriculum, and

instructional goals.

2. Students must comply with all school policies, school rules, and expectations

regarding student conduct.

3. Students are also required to comply with teachers and staff regarding use of

technology.

Prohibited Uses

Unacceptable uses of technology include, but are not limited to, the following:

2. Illegal Activities​: Students may not use technology for any illegal activity or in violation of school policies. Saint Bernard School assumes no responsibility for illegal activities of students while utilizing technology at Saint Bernard School.

3. Copyright Compliance​: Students are expected to adhere to all copyright laws. Proper notation is to be given for any items utilized that are not the student’s express individual idea or with permission of the original owner of the material. This refers to images, passages, research, papers, music, videos, software, etc.

4. Use for Non­Educational Purposes​: Student access to the Internet for non­educational purposes is permissible as long as they do not violate the “Prohibited Uses” section and Saint Bernard Code of Conduct and so long as it does not interfere with educational purpose of the computers, devices, or instruction.

5. Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access​: Students must not share passwords, use others’ passwords, access others’ accounts, or attempt to work around the school filter, network, or Internet.

6. Rights of Access/Review​: All material, which is electronically stored on the school’s computers, or within the school’s Internet account (saint­bernard.com ­ email, drive, etc.), is the property of Saint Bernard School. The school retains the right to access, review, copy, print, edit, and/or delete all user files and any material.

7. Security​: Any security problems with the school's computer systems or online services must be reported to the Technology Coordinator.

8. Vandalism​: Vandalism is defined as any attempt to harm or destroy equipment or the data of another user or other networks that are connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, the intentional uploading or creation of computer viruses, “jail­breaking”, hacking activities, or changing online materials without permission.

9. Posting of material to Social Media/Internet:​ Students should refrain from posting videos, images, or references to individuals (students, teachers, staff, etc) within the school building without the individual’s permission.

Compensation for Loss, Costs, and/or Damages

The student specifically agrees to reimburse Saint Bernard School and the system administrators for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney's fees and costs related to investigation of violations incurred by Saint Bernard School and the system administrators relating to or arising out of any breach of this Acceptable Use Policy by the student. This includes any cost incurred related to the action on the part of the student that violates the warranty of any computer within Saint Bernard School.

Google Apps for Education Accounts

Students at Saint Bernard School are provided with Saint Bernard Google Apps for Education accounts to allow them access to email, storage, collaboration, and more. These accounts are restricted based on grade level.

Students in grade 6, 7, 8 are resticted to access emails and notices from othersaint­bernard.com users only. Students in grades 9-­12 have the ability to email outside of the saint­bernard.com domain allowing them to contact other schools and colleges.

A student’s Saint Bernard account also allows access to the student portal where teachers post grades, assignments and keep their calendars.

With respect to Google Apps for Education and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), advertising is turned off for Saint Bernard School in Google Apps for Education. No personal student information is collected by Google for commercial purposes. The school's use of student information is solely for education purposes. Student information that is “collected” by Google is described as projects, documents, email, files, username and password.

Students should always exercise caution and consult with a parent, teacher, staff member,or technology coordinator when revealing their full name, e­mail address, physical address, telephone number, social security number, or any other personal information over the Internet. Students should never agree to meet people they have contacted through the Internet without parent permission. Students should inform their teacher and/or parent if they receive or access messages or information that are dangerous, inappropriate, or make them feel uncomfortable in any way.

Consequence of Violation of Saint Bernard Acceptable Use Policy

The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The school administrators will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. Also, the Technology Coordinator may deny access privileges at any time as required or requested by Saint Bernard’s administration, faculty, and staff. If at all necessary, an individual account can be suspended and access denied.

The contents of this policy may be modified by the administration to fit the continually changing environment. Changes to this policy will be posted on www.saint-­bernard.com.

Limits of Liability ​­- Saint Bernard School makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The school will not be responsible for any damages, such as loss of data resulting from delays, non­deliveries, missed­ deliveries, or service interruptions caused by negligence, errors, or omissions. Use of any information obtained via online services is at the user's risk. Saint Bernard School specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through these services.

Saint Bernard School BYOD/BYOT Program

Saint Bernard School recognizes the ever­changing face of technology and our students ever­ increasing interaction with technology. We recognize the many new and positive ways in which technology can enhance the education experience. With this in mind, Saint Bernard School has adopted a BYOD/BYOT (Bring Your Own Device/Bring Your Own Technology program). With this, students are encouraged to bring their own devices to enhance their learning experience. Students not able to bring in their own technology will be able to access and utilize school equipment when available or needed. No student will be left out of instructional activities.

● If requested, a student will be required to provide the Technology Coordinator or administrator with information such as device address.

● The student is required to bring in their device fully charged. Students cannot expect to have a location to charge devices within the Saint Bernard School building.

● A decision to use devices within a classroom, including structured study halls, rests solely with the classroom teacher. Teachers may choose to use them on some days and not others, use them every day or not use them at all. Saint Bernard will be utilizing a color­coded system to let students know the level of use within a classroom:

○ Green ­ very device­friendly classroom

○ Yellow ­ devices may be utilized for certain specific activities only

○ Red ­ devices are not allowed

● Saint Bernard School is not responsible for any damage to a student­owned device. All students have personal and full responsibility of their own devices.

● Student device volume should be off when in school as to not disturb others.

● Student devices should never be used to cheat on any assignments, quizzes, or tests.

● Students are required to comply with teachers’ requests to turn off their devices, close their laptop, or turn­over their smart­phone, tablet, etc.

● Students acknowledge that the students’ access to the Internet will go through content filters.

● Students are not to bring into Saint Bernard School any viruses, Trojan, malware, or programs designed to damage, alter, destroy, or provide unauthorized data or information. This is in direct violation of Saint Bernard’s AUP.

● Access to the student server while utilizing a student device is not possible. It is highly recommended that students save files to their Google Apps Account provided by Saint Bernard School or another appropriate location.

Stolen Devices

If a device is suspected of being stolen, the student should report it immediately to the Assistant Headmaster. A reasonable effort will be made to locate the device, however, the school holds no responsibility for the device. Therefore, it is not recommended that students share or loan their personal devices. Identifying marks on the student devices such as skins and protective coverings are highly encouraged.

Management of Student Devices

Saint Bernard School is not responsible for management, troubleshooting, technical support, or repair of student devices.

Use of Devices in Unrestricted Areas

Saint Bernard does allow for students to use their devices in unstructured areas (such as unstructured study hall, cafeteria, school halls) for acceptable school uses. The teacher on duty of any of these areas retains the right to ask students to turn off their devices or put them away if it becomes a nuisance to others. The teacher reserves the right to confiscate any device used inappropriately or in violation of the AUP. Reminder: The school is not required to allow a student to charge a device. All devices should arrive at school fully charged.

Ability to Confiscate and Search Personal Devices

Saint Bernard reserves the right to seize any personal device when there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that search will turn up evidence that the student is in violation or has violated the law or rules set down by Saint Bernard School. The personal device may be searched in accordance with applicable laws and policies. The device will be returned to the owner when it is no longer needed for investigatory or evidentiary purposes.

Consequences of Violation of Saint Bernard's Policies

Violation of Saint Bernard School’s rules or AUP can result in a loss of access privileges, a prohibition of the use of the student’s device within Saint Bernard School, detention, and even suspension or expulsion, if the violation warrants.

Saint Bernard School, a Catholic co-educational school, co-sponsored by the Diocese of Norwich and the Xaverian Brothers, admits students from grades 6 through 12. Enriched by values attentive to the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Saint Bernard School community is committed to a challenging college-preparatory education for students of all faiths. Saint Bernard School provides a safe and supportive environment which promotes academic achievement and generates growth in maturity, behavior, character and service to others.